Photo: Official poster O1R Backyard Aranjuez 2027 (opens in a new tab) / Source (opens in a new tab)Aranjuez, Madrid
Backyard Ultra Aranjuez
Friday, 11 June 2027
Backyard loop (6.706 km/h)
6.706km D+ 200m
Backyard ultra format
Complete format guide: rules, gear and strategy
Your checklist for Backyard Ultra Aranjuez
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 6 ready
Swipe to see all 7 categories
Swipe to see all 7 categories
GPS watch
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED 45 mm
Onboard topo maps, unlike the Instinct 3 Solar
Downside: Shorter battery life than the Instinct 3 Solar (no solar charging or MIP display)
Gear
Headlamp essential: the race starts at 7:30 pm and runs all night. Carry a spare and charged batteries
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Nike Ultrafly
ZoomX foam: exceptional energy return inherited from the Vaporfly
Downside: High price (190 EUR)
Nutrition
Aggressive hydration: electrolytes every loop
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Maurten Gel 100
Hydrogel technology: excellent gastric tolerance
Downside: High price compared to other gels
Sun Protection
Apply SPF50 before the start and reapply at the life zone every few laps during the day
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)ISDIN Fusion Water Sunscreen SPF 50+
Ultralight texture, feels invisible on skin
Downside: Small format (50 ml), may run short on ultras
Body Care
Tape or patches on hot spots before the start
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Squirrel's Nut Butter Anti-Chafe Cream
Car Rental
A car makes it easier to bring base camp gear (chair, food, clothing)
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)DRIVALIA CarCloud Country Plus
Trip logistics
Registration, travel and insurance: what you should have sorted before race day.
Affiliate links: if you buy, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Race data
Terrain
Mixed
Difficulty
Elite
Distance
1 modalities
Backyard loop (6.706 km/h)
Price: 85 EUR
- Distance
- 6.706 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 200m
- Max Time
- 1h
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backyard loop (6.706 km/h) | 6.706 km | D+ 200m | 1h | 85 EUR |
Will your watch battery last the ~1 h of Backyard Ultra Aranjuez?Worked out for the longest course (6.706 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchGear up for Backyard Ultra Aranjuez
Buying guides with the best value for money, picked for this kind of terrain.
Swipe to see all 4 comparisons
Historical weather
What to wear at 25 °C: guide and kit →
Typical weather for the race date (10-year average)
Temperature
17°C – 29°C
Average 23°C
Rain
7%
0.5 mm avg
Wind
20 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
13h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Sun protection essential (13h sunshine, up to 29°C)
Forecast for 11 June
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
Backyard Ultra Aranjuez
Backyard Ultra Aranjuez, also known as Only One Race, is one of Spain’s most accessible backyards. It takes place every June at Estadio El Deleite in Aranjuez, just 50 minutes from Madrid by commuter rail.
The circuit
The 6.706 km loop with 200 metres of elevation gain combines natural trails along the Tagus river, dirt tracks and some tarmac sections. It’s mixed terrain, less technical than mountain backyards, but the June heat on the central plateau is a defining factor. Temperatures can exceed 35°C during the day.
Format and categories
Official Big’s Backyard Ultra format. In addition to the individual category, it offers a mixed pairs category where both team members must complete each loop within the hour.
Heat strategy
The 7:30 pm start means the race opens in the evening heat and runs through the night into the next morning, with the June sun on the plateau as the second test. Strategy centres on:
- Aggressive hydration with electrolytes from the first loop
- Cold food during the hottest hours: gazpacho, fruit, watermelon
- Breathable technical clothing and full sun protection
- Saving energy for the night, when cooler temperatures allow more comfortable running
Plan your fueling strategy with our nutrition calculator to stay on top of calorie and hydration needs in the heat.
Records and references
Backyard Ultra Aranjuez has already produced impressive results that show the competitive level of the event:
- Overall record: Emilio Pérez — 27 laps (181.06 km), set in 2025. In February 2026 he completed 50 laps (335.3 km) at another official competition, qualifying for the national team.
- 2026 edition: Guzmán Calderón won with 20 laps (134.12 km, 3,600 m D+) and Sandra Armas set the women’s record with 17 laps (114.002 km, 3,060 m D+). Andrés Rodríguez won the 4-fast-laps Challenge in 2h 18min 51s.
Free training sessions
The O1R Backyard Aranjuez organisers run free open training sessions in the months leading up to the race. They’re a great opportunity to learn the course, practise the format and meet fellow runners. Check their Instagram or the official website for updated dates.
Aranjuez: Heritage and nature
Aranjuez is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its royal gardens and cultural landscape. The loop runs through part of this privileged setting along the Tagus. Combining the race with a visit to the Royal Palace and the Prince’s Gardens is a perfect plan.
Use our gear checklist to prepare your base camp setup, and explore more trail events in Madrid.
Contact and social media
- 📞 Phone: 617 351 093
- 📧 Email: info@onlyonerace.es
- 🌐 Official website
- 🎬 YouTube
- 🎵 TikTok
360Complete Pack
Backyard Ultra Aranjuez 2027 Registration
RegistrationOfficial Big's Backyard Ultra format. Individual and mixed pairs categories.
Tips
- •€75 until October 19; €85 from October 20 to May 31
- •Includes race bag, food and drinks from lap 1, finisher gift
- •Mixed pairs category available
- •Registration closes: May 31, 2027
Where to stay for Backyard Ultra Aranjuez
AccommodationAranjuez has good hotel options and is only 50 minutes from Madrid by commuter rail.
Tips
- •Hotels in central Aranjuez: close to Estadio El Deleite
- •Madrid is 50 minutes by Cercanías (C-3 line)
- •June in Aranjuez: book ahead due to festivals and tourism
- •Budget option: accommodation in nearby towns like Ciempozuelos
Gear for Backyard Ultra Aranjuez
GearMixed terrain with tracks and trails. June on the central plateau: intense heat during the day.
Tips
- •Headlamp essential: the race starts at 7:30 pm and runs all night. Carry a spare and charged batteries
- •Sun protection essential: June in Aranjuez exceeds 35°C
- •Cap or visor with neck protection
- •Mixed-sole shoes: there are tarmac and track sections
- •At least 2 pairs of shoes for rotation
- •Headlamp for the night if the race extends
Which shoes for Backyard Ultra Aranjuez?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Backyard Ultra Aranjuez?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
Best Shoes for Backyard Ultra 2026: Buying Guide
The 4 best backyard ultra shoes in 2026: Altra Lone Peak 9, NB Hierro v9, Saucony Peregrine 16 and Salomon Sense Ride 5. Wide toe box and comfort for dozens of 4.167-mile loops.
Best GPS watches for multi-day and expedition 2026
The best GPS watches for multi-day crossings, expeditions and self-supported efforts in 2026. Garmin Enduro 3, Suunto Vertical 2, Coros Apex 2 Pro and Instinct 3 Solar. Maximum battery, solar charging, offline maps and ruggedness. Figures verified against the manufacturer.
Best Trail Running Hydration Vests 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
Best trail running hydration vests 2026: 12 vests and packs compared. How many litres you need by distance, soft flasks vs reservoir, and fit.
Nutrition for Backyard Ultra Aranjuez
NutritionExtreme heat in June. Hydration and salt intake are critical.
Tips
- •Aggressive hydration: electrolytes every loop
- •Cold food for the heat: gazpacho, fruit, watermelon
- •Hot food for the night: broth, pasta, sandwiches
- •Avoid excess fibre: the stomach struggles in the heat
Best salt tablets and sodium capsules for running 2026
A comparison of the 7 best salt tablets and sodium capsules for running and trail 2026: 226ERS Sub9 Salts, Crown Pro Salt Caps, Victory Endurance, Precision Hydration PH 1500 and more. How many salt tablets to take per hour, how to calculate your sweat rate and which format to choose.
How to get to Aranjuez
TransportExcellent connections with Madrid by commuter rail. Accessible without a car.
Tips
- •Cercanías line C-3 from Atocha: 50 minutes
- •By car from Madrid: 45 minutes via the A-4
- •Free parking near Estadio El Deleite
- •One of the few backyards accessible by public transport
Car rental for Aranjuez
Car RentalNot essential thanks to Cercanías, but helpful for transporting gear.
Tips
- •A car makes it easier to bring base camp gear (chair, food, clothing)
- •Free parking in the area
Sports insurance for backyard ultra
InsuranceExtreme endurance ultra. Sports insurance mandatory.
Tips
- •Civil liability insurance mandatory to participate
- •Federation licence or day insurance
- •Rescue insurance not needed (flat terrain, urban setting)
Body care for Backyard Ultra Aranjuez
Body CareFeet and skin face hours of sweat and friction. A blister and anti-chafe kit prevents the silliest DNF.
Tips
- •Tape or patches on hot spots before the start
- •Blister plasters in the vest from the first kilometre
Sun protection for Backyard Ultra Aranjuez
Sun ProtectionYou start in the evening, but the June sun on the plateau awaits the next morning. A sweat-resistant SPF and a stick for face and lips prevent burns after hours of looping.
Tips
- •Apply SPF50 before the start and reapply at the life zone every few laps during the day
- •Sweat-resistant stick for face, ears and neck: applied in 10 seconds between laps
- •SPF lip balm: lips suffer from wind and dry sun
Best Sunscreen for Runners 2026: 7 Sweat-Proof SPF 50 Picks
Which sunscreen survives a sweaty long run? We compared 7 SPF 50 sweat-proof picks — creams, sticks and a lip balm — on heat, altitude UV and sweat resistance. See the winner.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Backyard Ultra Aranjuez 2027?
- Friday, June 11, 2027 (3rd edition), starting at 7:30 pm from Estadio El Deleite in Aranjuez.
- How much does registration cost?
- €75 from July 13 to October 19, then €85 from October 20 to May 31. Includes race bag, drinks and food from lap 1, finisher gift and on-site medical assistance.
- How many participants can enter?
- 180 participants. Individual and mixed pairs categories available.
- What terrain is the loop?
- Mixed circuit with natural trails, dirt tracks and some tarmac sections along the Tagus river and Aranjuez gardens. 200 metres of elevation gain per loop.
- Is it accessible by public transport?
- Yes, Aranjuez has a Cercanías commuter rail station (C-3) from Madrid. Estadio El Deleite is about 15 minutes' walk from the station.
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